Will "Elmer" Arendt, 85

Will “Elmer” Arendt of Hayden, Idaho, passed away Dec. 13, 2015, after a brief illness at his home with family by his side. He was born Aug. 8, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Creighton Albert Arendt and Wilma Edith Davis. He was married to Doris Helen Brown on June 25, 1949, in Vinton, Iowa.

Elmer retired on Sept. 1, 1987 from Rockwell as a machinist after 35 years of service. He was always proud to be a part of the space program, with the last being the Space Shuttle. Family members often attended open houses at the plant, where he would show us around and explore earlier space vehicles. Many times the family made the trek out to Edwards Air Force Base to see the Space Shuttle land.

After retirement, Elmer and Doris toured the U.S.A. and Canada in their fifth-wheel, and later spent much time camping and fishing at Port Townsend, Wash. and Klamath, Calif.

Elmer owned a sailboat for a while, in which he would often compete in races on the Puget Sound in Washington.

He served in the Seabees, which is a construction battalion of the United States Navy, from 1950 to 1952.

Elmer was lovingly called Papa by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elmer is survived by his children and spouses; Wayne Arendt (Shirley), Phil Arendt (Sandy), Diana Monie (Tom), and Laura Hunter; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Doris Arendt; and his brother Creighton Arendt.

Thank you Hospice of North Idaho and Yates Funeral Home; all of you were very compassionate and helpful with the care of our Dad.